Double Standard for Nurses?

Let’s face it ladies. The fight’s not fair in the hospital. We may be picking away at the salary gap but we still only
earn 77 cents to every man’s dollar, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And despite filling more seats at nursing school, fewer than 3 percent of Fortune 1000 CEOs are women.

So how does bias run rampant in the staff room? Long story short, men and women are judged, rewarded, and even punished differently for doing the same nursing job.

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Unjustified and unfair? Yes. But the harsh reality remains. The only way to climb the corporate ladder is to recognize how male nurses control the power and alter your behavior accordingly. You’ve got to play the game to get to the top.

Here are a few common stereotypes, misperceptions and actions that encourage or maintain gender inequity.

Men are assertive. Women are aggressive.

It’s a hustle to the top, and the male-female power struggle usually leaves women with the short end of the sword. Males are raised to be cocky and competitive but if a woman dares adopt this “go-getter” attitude, she risks being branded as domineering and difficult. Macho men have a vested interest in keeping women reserved and compliant so they’re quick to call out a bold, budding female nurse. There’s a fine line between scrappiness and combativeness — one that men rarely have to walk.

Men are passionate. Women are emotional.

There’s no crying in the hospital. Alpha males pounce on a sensitive woman like it’s their job. But I’m not just talking about a massive meltdown in the middle of a patient rounds. Everyday emotions get misconstrued. For example, if a man gets irate and defensive over a differing opinion about patient care, he’s applauded for being steadfast and strong. When a woman raises her voice or offers a critique about the way the hospital is run, she’s the disagreeable hothead of the group.

Men scream. Women mutter.

Effective communication is the only way to get ahead. But it’s hard to get a leg up if you’re never heard. Women are too easily drowned out by men’s more emphatic, direct speech, so pick up the bullhorn and demand attention. Tone is crucial but your expressions are equally important. Instead of taking the timid route — like asking everything in the form of a question — ditch the wishy-washy language and speak with conviction. If you don’t have the courage, fake it. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and jump in. You advocate for your patients, so why shouldn’t you advocate for yourself?